So you’re ready to take the next step with your yoga practise? Expand your personal practice by learning more about the yoga philosophy with a group of like-minded people. Embark on an in-depth study of yoga therapy so that you can teach yoga all over the world (and earn a living teaching yoga, too).

Become a registered yoga teacher (RYT) in restorative yoga, ashtanga vinyasa yoga, or even shambhava yoga on one of our yoga retreats. Learn about the functional anatomy, the asanas, and pranayama breathing according to the yoga sutras in daily structured classes.

Then jump into teaching yoga like the rockstar that you are :)

5 Things to Consider When You Book Your Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Retreat

Cultivating a yoga practice that works for you takes quite a bit of dedication and hard work. Coming to the decision to embark on the next step as a yogi is a big deal, and so your training should reflect that.

Most yoga schools will be registered with the Yoga Alliance, which ensures that your training program will cover a certain curriculum. This usually includes an in-depth study of

yoga philosophy

yoga poses and yoga postures

certain texts such as Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Bhagavad Gita, or the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

yoga traditions

anatomy and physiology

methodologies for teaching yoga

While there are many incredible YTT courses all around the world there will only be one that best reflects you and your yogic journey. But sifting through the online chatter can be overwhelming (believe me, I know!). To help you find which program is absolutely best for you and your personal goals, here are five things to consider when making your choice:

1. Popular Yoga Teacher Certification Destinations

The West Coast of North America, where a lot of the mountain-themed retreats live, has a pretty beautifully intense snow season beginning in November that goes through December, January, February and sometimes even March. For warmer weather, consider heading down to San Diego for a beach retreat TTC on the Pacific Coast, or to Miami for a taste of the Caribbean.

Minnesota and Michigan are beautiful summer spots with great lake culture and tons of forested land. New York and Boston, of course, offer the urban feel and an undeniable energy that will likely fuel your entire training.

For more of an escape to the mountains, consider booking your YTTC in Colorado or Seattle, both offering a vibrant city right in the mountains with excellent public transportation.

If you are thinking of a European teacher training retreat in Italy, France, or Spain, then you are in for a real treat. Many retreat centers focus on the overall experience, offering their trainees a European vacation alongside world-renowned yoga teachers for their training.

Depending on what type of vacation you’re looking for, you must carefully consider the weather in each of these countries. European countries all vary in their seasons, depending on how far away they are from the equator, so it is always best to do your research ahead of time.

Imagine getting a deep understanding of yoga while surrounded by a community of like-minded people... all set in the amazing jungles of Thailand or Bali. Practice mindfulness as you sit quietly in literal paradise for a truly life-changing experience. Get your RYT certification in the tropical climates of Bali, Thailand,or Australia.

Be sure to research the weather patterns and seasons in each place. Southeast Asia, for example, has the lowest rainfall in January, February, March, June, July, August, and September.

The other months of the year are the rainiest of all. (Or hey, maybe you like tropical thunderstorms!)

Or maybe you really want to go back to the motherland of yoga and complete your teacher training in India. Escape to the peaceful land of Rishikesh or bright blue waters of Goa for a super affordable teacher training. When you're there, you'll feel an amazing energy connect you with the place. You'll be immersed in the community in a way that makes the instructor certification seem secondary to the entire experience. At the end, you'll both be ready to teach as well totally transformed.

Online YTTs

We live in a world of convenience, so naturally, there is a demand for online teacher training programs. There are quite a few available, but I'd be wary of them. A lot of online courses, related to yoga or otherwise, are simply looking to make a quick buck off of its students. That doesn't mean that there aren't a few good online yoga teacher training courses, though. Do your research and make sure that you choose a program that respects and honors the yogic traditions and philosophy. Look for a program that has virtual class time and lots of virtual one-on-one time with the yoga instructor. Learning is a process and an online YTT course is only valuable if you can actively learn in it.

2. The Yoga Style

Not all programs are the same, just like not all yoga styles are the same. The training styles are just as varied as yoga itself.

So don’t be afraid to search for exactly the kind of teacher training course that you’re looking for!

Vinyasa yoga is one of the most popular yoga styles in the United States, Europe, and Australia. It offers more of a flow than other yogas and has become quite athletic as the Western trends have shaped this modern style of yoga. Though it originally was born from Ashtanga yoga, it has since become its own style of yoga that is taught in virtually every yoga studio around the world.

If you’re looking for a versatile style of yoga that can be brought with you wherever you end up, this may be the one for you.

Kundalini attracts many yogis that are seeking a spiritual practice that can be deepened with breath, meditation, mantras, and carefully selected poses. The goal of this type of yoga is to both build physical abilities as well as increase one’s consciousness.

Learn how to build a yoga practice that incorporates many different tools in order to help the yogi identify the inner self.

Hatha yoga is a fairly broad category of yoga that will include most yoga styles. This is because it focuses on asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), which are included in every yoga class, no matter the style. The goal is to bring peace of mind to the yogi and to prepare the body for deeper spiritual practices like meditation.

While traditionally Hatha has encompassed virtually all styles of yoga, it has recently come to be recognized as a slower and more relaxed style of yoga. It is great for beginners because of this, though can be a powerful tool for many athletic yogis looking to slow down their yoga practice.

Ashtanga yoga is a very specific system of yoga that offers a choreographed sequence of asanas. It is a relatively fast-paced style that can be physically challenging. There are six sequences in total, each one more difficult than the one before.

It is a unique style of yoga that will certainly prepare your body and breath for a more rigorous practice, though be sure to ask if other styles of yoga will be taught during your training to ensure that you are a marketable teacher with lots to offer ;)

Combine yoga with acrobatics in this fun style of yoga. It is booming in popularity all over the world and is proving to be a style in high demand of teachers. This is a great type of training to have if you are already certified to teach a more general style of yoga as Acro will draw upon previous knowledge and training.

We definitely love our male and transgendered yogis but we cannot ignore the fact that the majority of yogis practicing yoga are indeed women of childbearing age. In order to fully be prepared for your students, you must be prepared to offer modifications for pregnant women. Most yoga teacher training programs will offer a chapter on prenatal yoga modifications, but be sure to ask about this just in case.

Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a form of active sleep meditation. During this type of training program, you will not only study the traditional yoga philosophy, but you will also get hands-on experience with using yoga and meditation to improve your life. As you deepen your knowledge, you will also deepen your personal practice, making this yoga instructor training a life-changing experience.

Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga Certification

While we can certainly understand the merits of a heated room during yoga, there is actually no proven benefit to either hot yoga or Bikram style yoga. In fact, traditional yoga was always scheduled at the coolest times of the day in order to prevent overheating.

If you are interested in becoming trained in either of these, then consider working directly with the corporate organizations that sell this type of training. The only thing we might urge is that you do not hurt yourself in the process and that your training may be Yoga Alliance certified.

3. Choosing the Best Yoga Teacher Training Program

If you typed in “ttc near me” you were probably surprised to find that there are many different program styles that exist.

Some are intensive, with 8 hour days and live-in conditions. Others are more resort-style with lots of free time, luxurious hotels, and gourmet food.

Some programs are small and intimate, with as few as a handful of trainees per training. Others are monstrous and buzzing with energy, feeling more like an intense summer camp than an educational journey.

And both styles are great! Depending on what you’re looking for, be sure to pay attention to the details of the program to make sure that it lines up with the kind of experience that you’re looking for.

This Level-1 course is where yoga teachers must begin. While many programs offer their unique touch to the TTC program, most will stick with the Yoga Alliance. While being certified by a Registered Yoga School of the Yoga Alliance is not necessarily required in order to become a teacher, it is a standard that most yoga studios adhere to by way of ensuring quality teachers.

This beautiful retreat will absolutely stun you. The lush tropical flora will serve as the perfect ambiance for your innermost work that will undoubtedly take place during your training. It is ranked as 5 stars by all of our very satisfied yogis here at Book Retreats, so you know that it will be good.

If you have never been to Guatemala then you are missing out. Guatemala is the best-kept secret in Central America. The indigenous culture is still very much intact throughout the country, giving it a surreal experience no matter where you are. It is an incredibly spiritual land, where the people honor the land for its unconditional abundance. Head to Guatemala for one of the greatest experiences of your life.

This 200-hour yoga teacher training course is based on the Ashtanga Primary Series, combined with the creative sequencing approach used in Vinyasa Yoga. You will use the practice of the Ashtanga Primary series to build a strong foundation, deepen your understanding of functional anatomy, breath work, and energetic elements within each pose. Drawing upon this strong technical foundation, you will experiment with Vinyasa-style class, harnessing your creativity and inner voice. By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently teach a modified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga class suitable for all levels and offer modifications for students with injuries or physical limitations.

Have you ever been to South America? Because if the answer is 'no' then consider THIS your cosmic sign that now is the time. Peru is known for its spiritual essence all throughout the land. While Macchu Pichu is what it is most known for, there are heaps of spots with equally transformative energy. Get down there and experience the magic that is Peru. Eat the incredible food. And go home a changed person.

Ecuador is a tiny little country on the westernmost point of South America. This means that it is right on the equator (um, hello literal translation of Ecuador) and warm, lush, and full of life. The waves are unlike anywhere else in South America, so this little retreat in Montañita, Ecuador provides the perfect activity to balance all that yoga and studying you will probably do. Plus, if you're looking for some serious dancing, it's just a 15-minute walk to some of the country's most popular Reggae bars. Yup. This is the place to be.

A 300-hour program offers a step above the first level and is considered an advanced training course. An RYS program will likely build off of the knowledge and experience that is given during a 200-hour course so that the teacher will be able to teach the subtler techniques and philosophies of yoga.

The 500-hour TTC programs are the advanced level trainings for certified teachers looking to take their careers to the next level. If certified through an RYS of the Yoga Alliance, then it will continue to build on previous experiences from the 200-hours and 300-hours trainings.

Intensive Yoga Teacher Training

While a month-long teacher training is ideal according to the philosophy of yoga, that is not necessarily possible for those of us still tied to the western way of living. If you can’t take a month off of your current life to become certified, consider searching for intensive programs that are completed within a couple weeks.

Other programs may offer weekend schedules so that you can continue working throughout the week. Be sure to keep your expectations in check, though. Even world-renowned training programs, such as the Kripalu yoga teacher training, still require about a month to complete the training.

4. The Bonus Factor

Ah, the bonus factor. Who doesn’t love a bonus?

What I mean here is, what else are they offering?

While many TTC courses will be pretty straightforward, there are just as many unique courses to match. Don’t be afraid to look around!

Yoga Teacher Training Scholarships

We get it: TTC courses can be downright expensive. While not all courses offer scholarships or work-trade opportunities, some do! As you search for your perfect certification course, be sure to ask about scholarship opportunities. What is the worst that can happen?

Ayurveda and yoga go hand in hand, each drawing upon the ancient wisdom of India. Learn how to pair this traditional healing modality with yoga so that your entire life is equipped for some high-vibrancy living.

Besides the fact that meditation rocks, what with all the research that supports it, it is also a booming trend. This means that as a yoga instructor you must be prepared to meet the needs of your students, even those regarding meditation. Equip yourself with the skills necessary to meet those demands and secure more job opportunities for yourself in the future.

While many yoga centers offer competitive prices according to the market, the cheapest courses you will find will always come out of India. Consider heading to India to keep your costs low, your educational experience rich, and your heart full. We wrote a full breakdown on yoga teacher training costs that might help you figure out what is worth your hard-earned cash.

There are also really expensive programs, but they often come with five-star luxury services to go along with the price tag (which, hey, ain’t a bad thing, either).

The perfect ttc may not come with the perfect price tag, so prepare yourself for that, as well.

And then plan accordingly :)

FAQ

Am I ready to begin yoga teacher training?

Yes. How do I know? Because all it takes is the desire (and a few logistical steps). Becoming certified doesn’t require that you are the best yogi in your yoga studio. Instead, it relies on the desire to go deeper in your practice and the commitment to do so.

How do I get professional yoga teacher training?

Most yoga studios that offer training courses are members of the Yoga Alliance USA, or other comparable yoga organizations. While this is not necessary in order to become a yoga teacher, it helps ensure that you are receiving quality training.

Where is the best place for quality yoga teacher training?

There isn’t really a best place to get your training as there are thousands of excellent yoga schools all over the world that provide top-notch training. The easiest way to find the best course for you is to take a look at the reviews along with the course description and pictures.

This will give you a well-rounded peek into the training that you’re interested in.

Where can I do online yoga teacher training?

While you can certainly find some online programs to obtain your yoga certification, it’s generally not something that we believe in at Book Retreats. Being a yoga teacher is so much more than studying the postures and history. It is about delving deep into the practice, surrendering yourself to the yoga completely.

It is about building the bonds with both your yoga instructor and the students. It is a holistic experience that can completely transform you. So why would you really want to it any other way?

Where can I find an affordable yoga teacher training?

It is true that the cost of many of these courses can be upwards of thousands of dollars. However, in places like India and Thailand, you will find many certification courses for less than $2,000. As you search through teacher training retreats, slide the price range bar to a price within your budget.

This way you can see what we have in store for you. We boast that the most affordable prices available can be found on our platform ;)

Should I already be flexible to begin yoga training?

It would certainly be helpful if you could already achieve many of the more difficult poses, but only because it allows you to experience the poses that you may be teaching. Otherwise, it is not expected that you would already be flexible. Instead, with a dedicated practice, you can easily increase your flexibility.

So, no, we don’t expect you to already be at your peak flexibility before beginning!

Can I do yoga teacher training in Nepal?

Yes! This is arguably one of the most magical places to get your certification. The meditation culture is strong and the views are spectacular. Plus, getting your teacher certification in Nepal would be one of the more affordable options.

How much experience is necessary before you get into yoga teacher training?

There is no clear-cut answer, but about a year would be ideal. This allows you to try different yoga styles, different yoga studios, and different yoga teachers. It gives you time to really perfect a lot of the postures and increase your flexibility. It also provides time to explore yoga as a spiritual tool rather than just a form of exercise.

How long does someone usually practice yoga before becoming a teacher?

Everyone is different. Some people practice yoga for years without ever teaching a single class. Others get their certification immediately and rock it as a teacher. It is an incredibly individual experience so every story will be different.

Where is the best place in the world to learn yoga or do yoga teacher training?

India, hands down. It is where yoga was born and where it continues to live, today. The prices are cheap, the people are good, and the overall experience is unlike anywhere else in the world.

What if there isn't a yoga certification near me?

We can definitely understand the struggles of getting enough vacation time to escape to some of these destinations...

... But we are firm believers in creating the life you want right now. Grab the handful of vacation days you have and make arrangements to make this dream a reality. After all, what else in life slides into place so smoothly?

Become a Certified Yoga Instructor

Oh, and one other thing…

Don’t forget to have fun with it!

You are picking out the experience of a lifetime so don’t be afraid to reach for your wildest dreams in the process. Whether you are imagining yourself in the salty, sweaty air of a Costa Rica teacher training or bundled in blankets up in British Columbia … let your imagination run wild! Because you are one step closer to reaching your goal of becoming a certified yoga teacher from one of the top-rated yoga training programs in the world!

You do you and don’t forget who that is for a single second during the process.

It feels good, doesn’t it?

Now go for it!

Top Yoga Teacher Training Retreats Happening in 2018

If you wanna book the best yoga certification course this year so that you can finally teach yoga, then take a peek at each yoga center below. Learn yoga teaching techniques from some of the best training programs from around the world.

Quick Navigation and YTTC Travel Guide For Each Month

Not sure which yoga center to pick for your training to become a certified yoga teacher?

No worries. There are lots of options all over the world. Whether you end up in Rishikesh India or on the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica, you will find the right yoga institute for you. You will meet like-minded people and dive deeper into your yoga asana practice.

Basically, it is bound to be a life-changing experience no matter what you decide on.

So it's a bit unfair, but Thailand takes the cake on this one again. Another awesome month for your YTTC. Why?

The weather is warm, but not melting hot like it is in April, May and June.

March is also the perfect time for a yoga teacher training abroad in India...especially in the North (Rishikesh Yogpeeth, anyone?). Not too touristic yet and the chill of the Himalayas has melted a bit.

If you're wanting to go to Southeast Asia, then you'll want to check out both Vietnam and Cambodia. March is a peak time for them as well.

If you're wanting a more Westernized country, then you should head to a teacher training in Australia, as the country/continent in the Southern Hemisphere has opposite seasons.

And of course, we couldn't forget the Philippines as a beautiful place to spend a month-long yoga training.